How to Grow Strawberries in Milk Crates for an Abundant Harvest

If you love fresh, homegrown strawberries but don’t have a large garden, I have a simple and effective method for you, growing strawberries in milk crates! I’ve been using this trick for years, and it’s an easy way to maximize space while ensuring healthy, productive plants.

Whether you’re working with a small patio, balcony, or backyard, this method can give you baskets of sweet strawberries without the hassle of traditional raised beds.

Why Grow Strawberries in Milk Crates?

Strawberries thrive in containers, and milk crates provide the perfect balance of drainage, aeration, and portability. Here’s why I love this method:

• Excellent drainage – The openings in the crate prevent water from pooling, reducing the risk of root rot.
• Great airflow – Strawberry roots love oxygen, and milk crates naturally allow air circulation, keeping roots healthy.
• Space-saving – You can stack or arrange the crates in tight spaces, making them ideal for patios or small gardens.
• Easy to move – If you need to chase the sun or bring your plants indoors during extreme weather, milk crates make it simple.

Now, let’s get into how to set up your strawberry-growing system!

What You’ll Need

• Milk crate (1 per strawberry plant, or 3-5 plants per large crate)
• Landscape fabric or burlap
• High-quality potting mix
• Strawberry plants
• Organic fertilizer
• Mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips to retain moisture)

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Strawberries in Milk Crates

1. Prepare the Milk Crate

Since milk crates have large openings, you’ll need to line them with landscape fabric or burlap to keep the soil in place while still allowing drainage.

I usually cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover the bottom and sides, then press it snugly inside the crate. You can secure it with clips or fold it over the edges.

2. Fill with the Right Soil

Strawberries love well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. I use a mix of:

• 60% high-quality potting mix
• 30% compost or aged manure
• 10% perlite or sand (for extra drainage)

Gently press the soil down as you fill the crate, but don’t compact it too much, strawberries prefer loose, airy soil.

3. Plant Your Strawberries

Space your strawberry plants about 6-8 inches apart to allow room for runners to spread. In a large milk crate, you can fit 3-5 plants.

Next, make a small hole in the soil, place each plant’s roots inside, and gently cover them, ensuring the crown (the part where the leaves meet the roots) sits slightly above the soil level.

4. Water Well

Strawberries need consistent moisture, but they don’t like soggy roots. I water deeply after planting and then keep the soil moist (but not drenched). Check daily in hot weather, as container soil dries out faster than garden beds.

5. Provide Sunlight

Strawberries love 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re growing them on a patio or balcony, make sure they’re in a spot with plenty of sunshine. If needed, move the crate around to follow the sun.

6. Feed Your Plants

For the best harvest, I like to feed my strawberries every 2-3 weeks with an organic fertilizer, such as:

• Liquid fish emulsion or seaweed extract (for a natural boost)
• Compost tea (for slow-release nutrients)
• Strawberry-specific organic fertilizer (rich in phosphorus and potassium)

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leaf growth over fruit production.

7. Mulch for Moisture Retention

Adding a thin layer of straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips helps keep moisture in and prevents soil from splashing onto your berries (which can lead to disease). I always make sure my mulch is free of chemicals or pesticides.

8. Prune & Manage Runners

Strawberry plants send out runners (long stems that produce new baby plants).

If you want larger berries, I recommend removing most runners so the plant focuses energy on fruiting. If you want more plants, you can let a few runners root into the soil.

How to Maintain Your Milk Crate Strawberry Garden

Pest Prevention

• Keep an eye out for slugs, aphids, and birds, they love strawberries as much as we do!
• Cover your crates with netting if birds become a problem.
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the edges to deter slugs.

Winter Care

• If you live in a mild climate, strawberries will stay green year-round.
• In colder zones, move the crates to a protected area, like a garage or covered porch, to prevent freezing.
• Add an extra layer of mulch for insulation.

Harvesting Your Strawberries

Strawberries typically start ripening 4-6 weeks after flowering. Pick them when they’re fully red for the sweetest flavor! I always harvest in the morning when they’re cool and at peak ripeness.

Pro Tip: Gently twist the berry off instead of pulling to avoid damaging the plant.